The seized ponies are now in the care of the Sullivan County Humane Society. Photos: Indiana State Police

Two carnival workers have been arrested in Indiana for animal neglect in relation to two miniature horses found in an enclosed trailer during a routine police traffic stop.

Indiana State Police made the arrests early on Monday afternoon in Sullivan County, when Senior Trooper Byron Goodman, of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, was patrolling US 41.

He stopped a white 1995 Ford pickup pulling the trailer for a routine inspection of the driver, truck, trailer and cargo.

He found the male and female miniatures in the trailer.

The police department said in a statement that the animals appeared emaciated and in general poor health, in addition to allegedly having no water or food. Goodman felt there was not sufficient air flow through the trailer.

The Sullivan County Humane Society was called to the scene. Humane society workers Rachel Clark and Tina Baker took custody of the animals and took them to the Sullivan County Animal Hospital for treatment.

The horses remain in the custody of the Sullivan County Humane Society until further notice.